I’m so excited. It’s Sunday afternoon and I have a book delivery scheduled to arrive at any moment. Retrieving that package from my front door step and ripping into it is kind of like Christmas even though I bought it for myself and know what it’s in the box. I just ordered All Fours by Miranda July, which has received many rave reviews, and The Salt Path by Raynor Winn, which I think was just made into a movie. At this point, I’d need to be trapped in my house for a solid six months with nothing else to do to burn through my stacks of books but I can’t stop hoarding, like Scrooge with his vault of coins. I just finished Heaven and Earth Grocery Store by James McBride and really enjoyed it. It was insightful, relevant for our times, tackled deep topics of prejudice and racism in an easy to read way, had wonderful quirky characters and the ending was just what I needed. I may have shed a happy little tear when I closed it.
Although I order my tomes online when there’s something specific I want (and feel some guilt about it) my true joy is browsing in a bookstore and seeing which one follows me home.
LIttle local bookshops, especially used bookstores, are my very favorite places.
I was thinking of all the ones I enjoy within an hour of me and decided to compile a list.
Here it is and feel free to suggest others I may not know about!
Got Books, 814 S. Washington St., Shelby
Lucky for me, this used bookstore is right in my backyard and I have access to it any time I want.
It has a great selection of reads from more current releases to the classics, fiction, nonfiction, religion, romance and a children’s section. I’ve found many great books here. They also sell CDs, crystals, coffee and Kratom. The wooden cat statues aren’t for sale but I LOVE them and they add charm to this quirky store.
They are open Monday through Saturday and have a Facebook page: Got Books! Books, Music, Movies and More.
Belmont Bookshop, 7 N. Main St., Belmont
I recently spent a day off browsing in this adorable bookstore (and they have Libby, the bookshop dog!) and ended up purchasing Claire Keegan’s collection of short stories, Antarctica, which is fantastic. I love their curated selection and have to really discipline myself to limit how many I purchase. The shop has such a cozy vibe with a little loft for the children’s section, plants for sale and a big table where sometimes there is a community puzzle going on. It’s only been open a year but has become a vibrant gathering space and social hub. They have all kinds of book clubs going on (including a blind date bookclub), author events and other activities, such as board game night. They often donate a portion of their proceeds to different local helping agencies too, which is really cool.
You can find Belmont Bookshop on Facebook and they have a website, belmontbookshop.com.
Cleary’s Bookstore, 105 N. Main St., Mount Holly
If you want to do your own book crawl, after you leave Belmont Bookshop, head on over to Mount Holly and stop at Cleary’s Bookstore. It is a woman-owned and operated business that is absolutely delightful. The bright yellow door just invites you to come in and it’s just as warm and cheery inside. There’s a great variety packed in a small space and a separate children’s room. Cleary’s is also a wonderful community gathering place and has book clubs, author and other events, lectures and more.
Check them out on Facebook or their website clearysbookstore.com.
Next Door Used Books, 139 Thomas St., Forest City
This delightful used bookshop is tucked away on a quiet street in charming downtown Forest City. It is such a sweet little store with a really good variety of used books and some gift items. There are also plenty of comfy seating that invite people to linger, chat and read.
As an added bonus, after you spend some time browsing, head over to Pie Safe Baking Company at 102 W. Main St. and treat yourself to a delectable baked good.
Next Door Used Books can be found on Facebook.
Thornwell Books, 202 S. Sterling St., Morganton
I recently discovered this bookstore and made a visit last week. It has a coffee shop inside and lots of little reading nooks and gathering spaces. There’s an upstairs that has couches and seating. It’s a great place to browse, hang out and meet friends. They also have a cool statue at their new release table and some great book clubs. After you’re done sipping coffee and picking out that perfect next read, I’ve heard Mountain Burrito is a great lunch stop.
Find Thornwell Books on Facebook or their website, thornwellbooks.com.
I’m always on the hunt for a new place to visit! Where should I go next?
